Defence
MEDIA RELEASE
05/11/2003 Departmental 321/03
NAVY’S NEWEST HELICOPTER ARRIVES ON DECK
The Defence Materiel Organisation and the Royal Australian Navy today achieved a significant milestone in the Super Seasprite project, with the maritime helicopter successfully making its first ever landing on the deck of an Australian warship.
The Super Seasprite landed onboard the ANZAC class frigate HMAS WARRAMUNGA at Garden Island in Sydney this morning to commence shipboard trials which include landing, lash-down and stowage procedures onboard the ANZAC class warships.
This was a long-anticipated event in the $1,014.6 million project and was an important step forward.
Defence provisionally accepted the first of the 11 Super Seasprite helicopters for testing, evaluation and training at HMAS ALBATROSS in Nowra on the 18th October.
The trials will help ensure that the final product meets the Navy’s requirements making the Super Seasprite one of the most advanced maritime helicopters in the world.
Once accepted into service and fully equipped, the Super Seasprite will provide the primary anti-surface weapon system for Australia’s fleet of eight ANZAC class frigates.
The helicopters will be equipped with a sophisticated suite of sensors and weapons, including the capability to fire the ‘Penguin’ anti-ship missile and to deliver the Mk 46 anti-submarine warfare torpedo.
The Super Seasprite from 805 ‘Checkmates’ Squadron, based at HMAS ALBATROSS, has a crew of two for the trials. The helicopter is expected to return to Nowra on Friday.
805 Squadron currently has a complement of 64 personnel and more personnel will arrive early in the New Year for training.
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